Today, different types of modern agricultural machines and technologies are used in different farms. The different levels of crop production include primary and secondary tillage, sowing and planting, cultivation, fertilizer application and distribution, pest control, harvesting, irrigation, drainage, transportation, storage, management of previous harvest residues, etc.
Agricultural technology has transformed and increased production and product quality. In modern times, farmers who do heavy work on farms using traditional and old farming tools waste their health and time. A tractor that was once considered a technological genius in agriculture is now old news. Modern agricultural machinery has improved the agricultural industry. Some of the essential and most used machines are the combine or combine harvester, the rotavator or rotary tiller, plough or plow, the tractor with trailer, the power harrow, water bowser, the ripper, and the disc harrow. Below we mention some of the latest agricultural machines and their uses in agriculture.
What is Agriculture Machinery
Agricultural machinery, also referred to as agricultural technology, serves as a vital instrument in enhancing agricultural production. It enables farmers to increase crop yields within shorter timeframes and with improved efficiency. This category encompasses a wide range of equipment, including tractors, harvesters, animal feed mixers, and field-wide weed removers.
In contrast to traditional implements such as rakes and shovels, contemporary farm machinery incorporates multifunctional capabilities that streamline field harvesting. These innovations span from automated sorting and conveyor systems to autonomous vehicles that monitor and optimize plant processes. Moreover, cutting-edge models integrate advanced sensing technology, enabling farmers to accurately gauge crop ripeness and soil fertility levels, surpassing the precision achieved through manual inspection.
Importance of Agriculture Machinery in India
Here are the key benefits of investing in agricultural machinery:
- Enhances Traditional Methods
- Increases Farm Productivity for Commercial Purposes
- Mitigates Labor Shortages
- Optimizes Land Usage
- Enhances Farm Revenue
Enhances Traditional Methods
Agricultural mechanization practices contribute to improved land reclamation, decreased soil erosion, and heightened efficiency in irrigation systems. The cultivators attached to tractors play a crucial role in soil smoothing, filling ditches, and weed removal, expanding land utilization, and preventing soil erosion.
Increases Farm Productivity for Commercial Purposes
Agricultural mechanization has largely supplanted subsistence farming, leading to increased productivity and higher crop yields. While subsistence farmers produce just enough for self-sufficiency, mechanization empowers commercial farmers to generate larger quantities of food for profit.
Mitigates Labor Shortages
The migration of rural inhabitants to urban areas in recent years has resulted in labor shortages on farms. Mechanization has alleviated this challenge by reducing the physical demands on farm workers, compensating for the lack of manual labor.
Optimizes Land Usage
Through the mechanization process, land can be utilized more efficiently. Machines can render previously unused land arable, facilitating the cultivation of a broader array of crops.
Enhances Farm Revenue
Agricultural mechanization translates to increased monetary returns for both large and small farms, while also reducing the time required to compensate laborers. Machinery contributes to higher crop yields, ultimately boosting farm profits. Additionally, it elevates farms from local enterprises to entities capable of competing on a global scale, adding a layer of sophistication to their operations.
Types of Agricultural Machinery and Their Uses
1. Tractors
First and foremost in agricultural machinery is the tractor, representing the most common piece of farm equipment with diverse applications. Tractors come in various sizes and exhibit high versatility in farming operations. It is crucial to select the appropriate tractor based on the required horsepower and hitch rating for the intended tasks. Additionally, a two-wheeled tractor also referred to as a walk-behind tractor, offers flexibility by accommodating a variety of attachments such as a hay baler, rototiller, seeder, wagon, bed shaper, and other implements.
2. Combine Harvester
Larger in size, a combine works like a comb cutter to cut mature crops and at the same time thresh. A combine harvester is one of the most advanced machines that helps farmers by saving them long hours of the day spent on harvesting activities.
The multi-crop harvester is designed in such a way that it supports the harvesting of multiple cereal crops such as wheat, corn, barley, sorghum, soybeans, oats, sunflower, and rice. A modern multi-crop combine accelerates harvesting so that fields can be opened for the next harvest in minimal time and the probability of production increases during this period.
3. Mowers
A mower equipment is used to cut grass and other ground-growing plants. Usually, reaping—the term used traditionally for harvesting grain crops—is distinct from mowing, even though the two tasks use comparable tools. To maintain your lawn or pastures, you can choose between a push-behind mower, a riding mower, a zero-turn mower, a belly-mounted mower, or a pull-behind mower. You may wish to use a disc, drum, or sickle-bar mower if you are producing hay. Brush, batwing, and flail mowers are options for your collection of farm equipment that can be used for huge regions.
4. Backhoe
Backhoes prove highly effective for tasks such as excavating fence post holes or handling minor excavation projects like digging small ponds and water features. If your need involves digging holes, a backhoe stands out as the ideal equipment for the job. These backhoes are offered as individual hydraulic attachments designed for various tractor types.
5. Sprayers
A sprayer is a tool that is used for the application of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers on crops. Sprayers come in various sizes, ranging from portable units, usually backpacks with spray guns, to trailed sprayers that are attached to tractors.
6. Plough
Plough, a primary tillage equipment, works like a tractor implement attached to a tractor and helps to plough the land efficiently. This remarkable agricultural machine is used to prepare the land during the planting season. Whether converting new land into a farm or simply preparing an existing farm for sowing seeds, different types of plough (mouldboard plough, reversible plough, disc plough) allow farmers to transform soil into a nutrient-rich seedbed for a better plant. growth.
7. Rotavator or Rotary Tiller
A rotary tiller, also known as a rotavator, is a versatile tillage tool equipped with a series of blades designed to turn over the soil. Farmers widely favor rotary tillers for the convenient preparation of seedbeds in various agricultural settings such as farms and gardens. Its straightforward design and high efficiency in soil cultivation have contributed to the increasing popularity of rotary tillers in agricultural operations.
8. Disc Harrow
The disc harrow stands out as a crucial tillage implement for farmers seeking to enhance their production. This equipment plays a key role in secondary tillage processes by efficiently breaking up soil clumps, ensuring a refined finish for the final seedbed. Additionally, it aids in weed control around plants once crops are planted and have matured.
9. Leveler
These tractor implements contribute to achieving a more level, smooth soil surface, creating an optimal moisture environment for crops. The leveler results in reduced consumption of fertilizers, seeds, chemicals, and fuel in the agricultural process.
Conclusion
The integration of advanced technologies, such as automated sorting systems and sensing technology, has elevated the precision and efficiency of contemporary farm machinery. This evolution has not only transformed traditional farming practices but has also increased productivity while minimizing the physical demands on farm workers. As we look toward the future, the continued development and adoption of advanced agricultural machinery promise to further revolutionize the industry, empowering farmers to meet growing demands while ensuring sustainable and efficient farming practices.